What is the difference?
| Feature | US Aquaphor Healing Ointment | Plain petroleum jelly |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | 41% petrolatum with six other listed ingredients | Petroleum jelly alone |
| Texture | An ointment; expect a thick, greasy product | An ointment; expect a thick, greasy product |
| Dry skin uses | Chapped lips, dry skin and cracked hands or feet | Dry skin, including lips and eyelids |
| Minor injuries | Temporarily protects minor cuts, scrapes and burns | Keeps minor cuts, scrapes and scratches moist |
| Application | Apply as needed | Apply to damp skin for best results |
| Price position | Check the current pack price | An inexpensive skincare option |
Both belong to the ointment category of emollients, meaning moisturising treatments that form a protective film to trap moisture. Greasy ointments suit very dry, thickened or flaky skin. The job is to hold moisture in, which is a modest brief for something called Healing Ointment. Extra ingredients are a formula difference, not a reason on their own to switch from a product that already suits you, which makes ingredient counting a rather dull ointment contest.35
Which should you pick?
Petroleum jelly is an inexpensive option for dry skin, which is inconvenient for any argument that skincare must be expensive. It is a practical choice for dry lips and small dry patches, including flaky eyelids, where only a small amount is needed. Aquaphor is another option for chapped skin and lips, particularly if you already like its formula. If you know you react to an ingredient in Aquaphor, choose a product without that ingredient.134
How should you apply either ointment?
- 1After washing, gently pat your skin rather than rubbing it. Leave the skin slightly damp when applying petroleum jelly.
- 2Smooth the ointment gently in the direction your hair grows. If using a tub, remove the product with a clean spoon or spatula.
- 3Reapply when skin feels dry or tight. Aquaphor's label says to apply as needed. Nighttime can be convenient for greasy ointments, but they are not restricted to bedtime.
- 4If you use a steroid cream or another skin treatment, leave 20 to 30 minutes between that treatment and the emollient. Ask your doctor which should go first.
For a minor cut or scrape, petroleum jelly helps keep the wound moist rather than letting it dry into a scab. Clean the wound daily. Aquaphor also temporarily protects minor injuries, but its label excludes deep or puncture wounds, animal bites and serious burns.12
Who should be careful?
Avoid petroleum jelly on your face if you are prone to acne, because it can cause breakouts in some people. Emollients can also cause persistent stinging, burning, inflamed hair follicles or facial rashes. Stop using a product that causes a reaction and speak to a pharmacist or clinician. Do not use greasy ointments on weeping eczema. Keep Aquaphor out of your eyes.123
With Aquaphor, stop and ask a doctor if symptoms worsen, last more than seven days, or clear and return within a few days. Keep both ointments away from flames and cigarettes: clothing, bedding and dressings carrying emollient residue can catch fire easily, even after washing.23
Where this answer comes from
- 15 ways to use petroleum jelly for skin careaad.org
- 2DailyMed - AQUAPHOR HEALING- petrolatum ointmentdailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Emollientsnhs.uk
- 4Aquaphor® Healing Ointment 14oz | Multi-Purposeaquaphorus.com
- 5Skin carekentcht.nhs.uk
- 6Eczema types: Stasis dermatitis self-careaad.org
